The Ugandan government is in advanced discussions with the World Bank to secure funding for a new education initiative that aims to rehabilitate 160 traditional secondary schools, according to Ramathan Ggoobi, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.
While appearing before the Parliamentary Budget Committee on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, Ggoobi said the proposed financing will fall under a new scheme dubbed U-Learn, a large-scale education infrastructure project in the pipeline.
“We’re finalizing a major arrangement with the World Bank that will bring significant improvements to secondary school infrastructure. I want to assure the public that education is a top priority,” he told legislators.
Ggoobi added that the upcoming U-Learn Program would complement the ongoing Uganda Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfers (UGIFT) initiative, also funded by the World Bank. UGIFT, valued at US$300 million, focuses on upgrading 1,000 primary schools across the country and also supports projects in the health and environment sectors.
Accompanied by State Minister for Finance Henry Musasizi and other ministry officials, Ggoobi addressed concerns from Members of Parliament about recurring budget omissions, particularly in the education sector.
MPs Raise Alarm Over Neglected Schools
Lawmakers expressed frustration over schools that continue to operate without proper infrastructure or funding, despite being incorporated into the government system.
Hon. Samuel Okwir (NRM, Moroto County) voiced concern over Akola Seed Secondary School in Alebtong District, which was grant-aided in 2016 but has yet to see any tangible development. “Students are studying under trees. There’s no government support or construction activity. What will the President say about this during his campaign, when nothing has changed in five years?” he asked.
Similar concerns came from Hon. Annet Katusiime (NRM, Bushenyi District Woman MP), who noted that several grant-aided schools in her district had teachers posted and operational frameworks in place but have received no funding for over two years.
“The government assumed control of these schools, but there’s been no financial support. Teachers are stranded, and progress is stalled,” Katusiime added.
Call to Reinstate Teacher Training Funds
Hon. Nathan Itungo (Kashari South) urged the Ministry to restore funding for the Uganda National Institute for Teacher Education (UNITE), which oversees all tiers of teacher training, including in-service and professional development programs.
“Without operational funding for UNITE, Primary and National Teachers Colleges are left idle. We cannot talk about free education and quality learning outcomes when teachers are not receiving proper training,” he warned.
The MPs appealed for urgent interventions to ensure that previously grant-aided schools are not left to deteriorate due to lack of budgetary allocation.
As the government pushes to secure new World Bank funding, Parliament’s pressure highlights the urgent need for strategic investments in Uganda’s education infrastructure, particularly in rural and underserved areas.